Truth and Reconciliation Day: Pierre Poilievre called out for photos

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre found himself the subject of online criticism after posting photos with an Inuk elder along with a caption about meeting with Algonquin elders on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Poilievre posted two photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a caption about joining Algonquin elders and leaders in an eternal fire on Parliament Hill to mark the holiday at an event hosted by Algonquin Nation and the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation.

Marc Miller, the former minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, responded to Poilievre’s post by pointing out that the people in the photos were not Algonquin, but rather Inuit.

In one photo, Poilievre stands head to head with Inuk elder Manitok Thompson near an eternal fire, his hand resting on her shoulder.

A second photo taken in front of Parliament shows Poilievre standing next to Thompson and three others wearing traditional Inuit clothing.

A spokeswoman for Poilievre’s office said the Conservative leader was at an event led by Algonquin leaders to commemorate the day, and spoke with other Indigenous people there, including “these Inuit women.” to attend

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 30, 2023.